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The Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe

Having travelled solo throughout much of Europe and the rest of the world, I have certainly found that some countries are more suitable than others for solo travellers. Last year I took A Year To Myself and started my adventures across all 6 continents in Europe for the first four months. For first timers to solo travel, Europe is a great place to start. Not just because it is safe and for the most part stable, but because there is so much history, culture and difference in every country you visit that you just can’t help but to enjoy yourself and the solo journey. So here are the best solo travel destinations in Europe (enjoy the journey)!

1. Ireland

Ireland hits number one on the list as it was a special place for me in my year of travels. I had already been right across Europe from West to East, through the South and Centre of Europe, before I arrived in Ireland. It was in Ireland where I really learned to enjoy my own company, having spent so much time by myself driving the length of the country in just one week! Once I landed I booked a rental car on the spot after a night in Dublin and hit the road. I had no plans, no intent on arriving, and relied on pretty pictures on Pinterest to dictate my travels. Talk about an adventure! The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming and I stayed in B&B’s every night. Be sure to ask for the “single” rate to save some dollars!

2. Scotland

My time in Scotland was exactly what I imagined it would be. It felt rough, rugged, and real. The people in Scotland were particularly friendly in the Highlands and again I stayed in B&B’s and some hotels. I actually joined a tour for my time in the Scottish Highlands, which can be a really great option to break up the “alone” time when travelling solo.

3. Berlin

While the first two destinations are countries and Berlin is just a city, it is a city like no other and absolutely perfect for solo travellers! Berlin is unlike the rest of Germany and incredibly fun, friendly, and one of the cheaper capital cities in Europe to visit. There is a great nightlife scene here if you would like to meet people and food is impossibly cheap (and good!)

4. Prague

Another capital city that cannot go without mention is the gorgeous and ethereal Prague. I first travelled to Prague when I was 20 years old on my first solo adventure overseas. Then I returned again last year a few years later and loved it so much that I re-visited once more for good measure to introduce it to my mum! Prague is a great city for solo travellers as hostels are really cheap and/or cheap hotels aren’t hard to find. Air BnB is another great choice in Prague if you’re looking for a local experience. Although prices have hiked since Czech Republic joined the EU (still not on the Euro, though), it is still relatively cheap in comparison to other capitals. Another plus – there are some great vegetarian restaurants in Prague making it cheap to eat healthy for once! Try Maitrea and Lehka Hlava.

5. France

Paris has always been one of my favourite cities to visit in the world (even before I had been there), however France outside of Paris is even more captivating. France can be a bit of a challenge for solo travellers in regards to the language barrier, but this could be a great chance to take some classes and learn a bit of French! I loved France for solo travel as it has this captivating allure that just can’t be found elsewhere. France and everything French will always have a special place in my heart!

6. Belgium

Located just next door (and perhaps therefore a good combination with France!?) is the totally underrated country of Belgium. Before I went to Belgium on my solo adventures at 20 years of age, everyone had told me it was “boring”, “bland”, and asked “but why would you go to Belgium!?” As is often the case, they were wrong! Until you go somewhere yourself, you never know… and many people offering their two cents had not actually been to Belgium. So I went anyway! My time in Belgium was one of my favourite trips EVER. My favourites include Brugges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Skip Brussels as a solo traveller.

7. Finland

Where to even begin when it comes to Finland!? Such an incredible country and such an incredible destination for solo travellers. Be sure to stop in Helsinki for a night or two to get your bearings, but definitely make your way out of the capital and venture North if you’re looking for a great solo adventure. Lapland is an absolute winter wonderland or if you’re visiting in the summer, head to the lakes district!

Over to you! Where are your favourite solo travel countries to visit around the world!?

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Couldn’t agree with this more! Antwerp is a wonderful solo town, as is the heart of France, Prague, and Ireland. I approached Ireland the same…rented a car, without a map. It was blissful, and off peak season lead to 20 euros for a B&B all to myself! Magnificent.
I lived in Spain for a time, so I have to add that hopping on the ALSA bus to wherever you see on the screen is a great thing to do. I never felt unsafe in Spain. Small towns are a brilliant soul-discovery place.

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3 years ago

Guest

Kriselle

Hi Brooke!

I’m planning a trip to Europe and want to hit a number of countries and wondering what is the cheapest and most effective form of transportation for about 2-3 week travel across a few countries there? I’ve heard of the Eurorail pass, but the price seems a bit high for a 2-3 week travel. I wouldn’t mind getting it if I was there for 3 months or so.

Europe is where my solo travels started, 25 years ago. I have been only to 3 of these destinations, as my travels were more focussed on Southern Europe, Germany, Austria and France. Can’t wait to visit Prague and Belgium! Happy Solo Travels! 🙂

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3 years ago

Guest

Savannah Miles

Hi, so I have been dreaming of picking up and travelling for years now, I have done multiple mini solo trips. But I am in the process of planning a Euro-rail in Europe next summer. But part of me is so torn as to whether I should ditch the one month plan and try a 3-4 month trip. Do you think you can still have incredible ‘winging it’ experiences jumping around for a month? Would you recommend picking 3 countries and exploring them for a week each or bopping around for an intensely packed trip? blah iahflshdjDCFWLD. Any advice would… Read more »

Solo travel in France is very dangerous now , and Berlin is not it is not safely .In my opinion the best places for solo trip is south of Europe Greece , Italy , Portugal , the best climate and beautiful places to see .

You’re right, Belgium is amazing and so underrated. Fries, beers and beautiful architecture. I went to Poland (Warsaw and Krakow) in April by myself and loved it! Poland has an interesting history, beautiful buildings and inexpensive (and delicious dining options). I didn’t plan much before leaving and I found it incredibly easy to navigate once there. Highly recommended!

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3 years ago

Guest

medieha

Finland!!! I’m going there in January 😀 so. excited. sledging, snow surfing, sleeping in an ice hotel….and it looks like Narnia. and Copenhagen is another great place to visit especially in winter when it’s at its prettiest. what a wonderful world <3

I’m so happy you included Belgium! 🙂 We have so much more to offer than beer and chocolate haha 😉
Next week I’m going to Australia for 8 months and it’s my first time travelling solo. I’m so excited (but nervous at the same time!!)

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3 years ago

Guest

Alexis

Hi Brooke,
I’m going to Europe for the first time/ solo backpacking during March, mainly focusing on Ireland, England and France. If I have time, I’ll either do Germany or Belgium/ Netherlands!! Just curious, why do you reccomend skipping Brussels?

I just returned from Finland, and yes, it is a great destination for solo travellers. Although I went there to visit a Finland who moved there a few months ago, the people are incredibly friendly and open to other cultures. (:

Prague is without a doubt the most beautiful city I’ve been to. Absolutely loved it! I was slightly disappointed by Berlin to be honest because I was expecting the same kind of culture I experienced in Munich and Prague as well. It is very beautiful though, and a definite must see for sure!

So lovely to read you enjoyed my tiny little country so much (Belgium that is)! Most people dont’ know where it is (they only know Brussels). 🙂 In december I will go on a small solo trip to Berlin, so i’ts very comforting to see this city in your list!

Great list! I have yet to go to Finland but I’ve travelled solo (or not solo) to some of these destinations and couldn’t agree more. Have you been to other cities in Germany, and what did you think? Asking because I’m German and always love to get views from travelers.

I spent the summer traveling solo through the Balkans and Baltics. Both are safe and easy to get around, like the rest of Europe. Aside from Asia, this is probably the best continent to be traveling on your own.

I’ve been solo travelling in Europe last year and I have to say:
Best solo Destination is -by far- ICELAND!
The ultimate adventure awaits…
Safe Travels everyone 🙂

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3 years ago

FROM THE EDITOR:

Hello, Hola, Bonjour!
My name is Brooke Saward and I have been travelling the world solo for the past seven years. Here you can find my travel inspiration & advice to help plan your own adventures or gain the confidence to travel solo. Thanks for stopping by!